Monsoon Maladies Rise in Dharwad: Fever, Cough Cases Surge

Seasonal illnesses are on the rise in Dharwad district due to the monsoon and changing weather patterns. Both government and private healthcare facilities are observing an increase in patients presenting with fever, cough, cold, and vomiting. Health officials attribute this surge to environmental factors such as climate fluctuations, potential water contamination, and heightened mosquito breeding from stagnant rainwater.

Children are a primary concern, with many exhibiting symptoms consistent with dengue and chikungunya. To facilitate prompt diagnosis, the health department has instructed all private hospitals to conduct laboratory tests for patients suspected of having dengue. While the district has seen a rise in these illnesses, overall dengue cases remain lower than in previous years, with 29 confirmed positive cases from 2,051 tests in the first five months of 2026. Dengue cases were 873 in 2024, dropping to 164 in 2025. Surveillance for chikungunya has also been enhanced, with 16 positive cases identified from 1,529 screenings this year. Health authorities continue to emphasize the importance of public cooperation, hygiene, and mosquito control measures to manage the situation effectively.